Step No. 3: Contact your list broker for a firmographic append. Your broker or database co-op should be able to append such items as SIC code, estimated company sales, number of employees and other data to your business records. (If you're not sure how to proceed here, contact me for recommendations of reputable brokers that provide this service.) This firmographic information will identify targetable pockets of businesses by type. Based on this information, your broker can then make recommendations on lists to test to develop your B-to-B business.
Step No. 4: Test. Testing is the key to developing your B-to-B sales. In your analysis in step two, you may have noticed a seasonality of your B-to-B sales. If that's the case, test to capitalize on this most likely time of purchase.
Not all B-to-B lists are created equal. You'll want to test list types in this order of preference: if you can get good names from a B-to-B database co-op, start there. Next, look at direct response lists such as from other catalogs. After that, consider paid association files and paid niche magazines. Controlled circulation magazines are next. Files based strictly on SIC codes, compiled lists and lists of trade show attendees usually bring up the rear in terms of response, though there are exceptions.
While using the same internal catalog pages, you may also wish to test cover options that are more B-to-B focused. If your product line has this cross-over appeal, you'll be surprised at how lucrative B-to-B business can be.
- Places:
- Kansas City
A columnist for Retail Online Integration, George founded HAGUEdirect, a marketing agency. Previously he was a member of the Shawnee Mission, Kan.-based consulting and creative agency J. Schmid & Assoc. He has more than 10 years of experience in circulation, advertising, consulting and financial strategy in the catalog/retail industry. George's expertise includes circulation strategy, mailing execution, response analysis and financial planning. Before joining J. Schmid, George worked as catalog marketing director at Dynamic Resource Group, where he was responsible for marketing and merchandising for the Annie's Attic Needlecraft catalog, the Clotilde Sewing Notions catalog, the House of White Birches Quilter's catalog and three book clubs. George also worked on corporate acquisitions.